Community Recording Sessions

Our Stories

Click portraits below to follow each individual’s journey.

Samar Haider: The Maxim I Chose to Live By

Samar describes her passion for healthcare, and discusses the obstacles and opportunities that have guided her desire to help people. His voice was barely audible through the Skype online phone call, but I could easily tell he was weaker than before. I asked my uncle how he was feeling, knowing fully that his answer would […]

“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.” -Henry David Thoreau. I am a morning person. Something about the dark sky before the break of dawn gives me a sense of […]

Hikma describes her journey to self-acceptance and empowerment as a Black Muslim woman in the U.S. Black (\blak\) Adjective : The opposite of white. A pigmentation color too dark to be considered beautiful. The color of bark after it has been burned by fire. The color people here in America where to funerals. The […]

Fanta immigrated to the United States at the age of eight. Her story outlines her triumphs, and her dedication to education as a cherished American value. Life isn’t about finding yourself or figuring out what separates you from everyone else, it’s about all the different challenges and obstacles you’ve overcome that have helped you get […]

Subhana reflects on her struggles with body image, and describes how she forged her own path to self-discipline, confidence, and good health. Ten more minutes until sunset. The lingering aroma of the crispy naan bread and chicken curry encompassed the air. The clock finally struck eight o’clock and the adhan called to prayer. […]

Nooran describes her struggle to reconcile two identities growing up in a small New Hampshire town. Her story speaks to the power of confidence, perseverance, and heritage. I had an innocent childhood. I never saw a difference between the little girl at home who spoke Arabic with her mother and climbed onto my father’s back […]

Mahreen reflects on the complicated nature of intersecting identities. In her stories, she remembers formative incidents of prejudice, friendship, and learning as she developed her own identity as a Pakistani American. The smell of curry and other spices waft through my home and cling to my hair, giving it an ethnic smell that everyone at […]

When her mother fell ill, Farah become increasingly aware of stereotypes and prejudices as her family sought medical care. Her story describes how this experience brought strength, confidence, and growth. As a Middle Eastern, Muslim individual growing up in America with parents who didn’t speak English as their first language, my identity has evolved […]

Rewan discusses her journey from fear, to pride, to activism as a Muslim woman. Her story illustrates the power of bravery and persistence in the face of fear and terror. Temporarily paralyzed, I stared into the creature’s feral eyes and feared for my life. My body trembled as it approached me viciously. Its owner stood […]

In her story, Yasmin recalls stories of her childhood as a refugee and reflects on the importance of poetry, family, and home in developing one’s identity. I am the poem my mother wrote to the future. Folded between time and space, I am a collection of words that house the dreams of my community. Hands […]

"Identity is not a group you choose and assimilate into; it is a fluid concept that involves a mixture of multiple identities. All I strive for is an honest identity, being true in what I believe and what I share."

"However, in order to achieve my dreams, I had a lot of barriers to overcome. One such challenge is that most women in my culture don’t have higher education. Another challenge is that my family and I moved to the US during high-school with little knowledge of English, American culture, and the educational system."

"Having a disability is what sparked my dream to be a doctor. A doctor knows and understands the greatest gift from God--the human body--which has such special details that even a doctor learns with wonder."

"I hope one day to be that one Muslim doctor that can help other Muslim families. It’s hard to watch your loved ones go through an obstacle they mentally can’t control. It not only has affected my brother, but it has affected us all."

"I love my religion and my faith. I am proud to be a Muslim. I am proud to be an American.These parts of my identity that were once at war with each other now peacefully coexist, inspiring me to strike change in the heart of Muslim youth all across the country."

Submit your personal narrative to the "Muslim American Journeys” project.

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News Updates

AUGUST 12, 2019 In celebration of the Eid Al-Adha holiday, MALA partnered with the Middle East Institute (MEI) to host a celebration and cultural exchange showcasing a variety of different cultural traditions of observance from around the world. Guests connected, shared traditional foods, and participated in henna, paper marbling, calligraphy, and other cultural activities. The […]

Aug 27, 2019

July 17,2019 This week, MALA’s Deputy Director, Ahmed Flex Omar will speak at the Chicago FUND Conference. Flex will speak on a panel titled, Growing Your Organization’s Diversity, Equality, & Inclusion, which will address various strategies for improving diversity and inclusion from an organizational perspective. Flex is a mentor, an advocate, and and leader in the Chicago […]

Jul 17, 2019

On May 29, 2019, MALA’s office in Washington, DC organized a joint Iftar Dinner with the Embassy of Azerbaijan to celebrate the month of Ramadan, freedom of religion, diversity, and inclusion. This event took place at the Embassy of Azerbaijan with the participation of 30 guests and included welcoming remarks by both the Embassy staff […]